Best Websites to Find Flights: Where to Start

For most travelers, we recommend Google Flights as the best website to start your search because you can compare dates, nearby airports, airlines, and flight times before choosing an itinerary. Its calendar and price-tracking tools are especially useful when you have some flexibility, but the lowest displayed fare is not always the best value once you consider baggage, seat selection, and your preferred departure times.

After you find a promising flight, we suggest searching the same route on Skyscanner to see whether another airline or booking option appears. Compare the complete itinerary rather than just the headline price: an overnight layover, separate tickets, or a restrictive fare can make a cheaper result less convenient for you.

If you need a nonstop flight, use the “nonstop” filter on Google Flights or Skyscanner, then confirm the route and schedule on the operating airline’s website. If your dates are flexible, search a few days before and after your planned trip; if you are a student, also look for eligible student fares and compare their terms with the regular fare before booking.

Once you have narrowed your choices, open the airline’s site to compare the final price, baggage allowance, change rules, and connection details with any third-party offer. Our Finding the Best Flight Deals With AI — Student Travel Savings Guide is a digital download for readers who want to explore an AI-focused approach to finding student flight deals, but you should still verify fare rules and student eligibility before paying.